"When it comes to films, people often don't differentiate between the message of a bad central character and the message of the film itself. They are two separate things"

Audiences regularly conflate the behavior of a film’s protagonist with the overall thematic intent of a movie, overlooking the nuanced distinction between characterization and message. A film might feature a central character who exhibits immoral, cruel, or volatile behavior, yet that choice does not necessarily signal the filmmaker's endorsement of those actions. Rather, the character’s flaws, darkness, or villainy can be critical components in exploring human nature, societal issues, or moral complexities.

The tendency to see films as didactic tools, where every action is assumed to be a lesson the audience is meant to internalize, limits the power of storytelling. Artists like Christian Bale often portray deeply flawed or outright reprehensible characters. These roles are opportunities to expose uncomfortable truths, spark discourse, and reflect the spectrum of human capability. The narrative journey might even serve as a cautionary tale, warning viewers about the dangers of selfishness, lust for power, or unchecked ambition. A character’s downfall, self-destruction, or isolation can function as a compelling argument against emulating their choices.

It is vital for viewers to interpret a film's message by considering the entire narrative arc instead of extracting individual character actions as gospel. Directors, writers, and actors collectively use their craft to create layered stories that probe morality, oftentimes intentionally generating discomfort or controversy. These challenges to easy interpretation pressing audiences to grapple with ambiguity and to think critically.

Films are complex art forms intended not only to entertain but also to encourage self-reflection and debate. Recognizing the separateness between what a bad central character does and what the film as a whole communicates allows movies to be appreciated as meditations on life’s contradictions, not mere blueprints for personal conduct. The richness of cinema lies in its ability to represent the full scope of humanity, both virtuous and vile, without imposing simple answers.